4 minute read
HE USES OUR 5 LOAVES AND 2 FISHES
by Gracia Chiang, Associate Editor at Salt&Light. Gracia used to chase bad news. But now she shares Good News. When she is not busy writing for Salt&Light, she is being a mum to her two growing daughters. Her husband, Rufus, is an Assistant Pastor at Covenant Community Methodist Church, and their home church is Aldersgate Methodist Church. On their very first mission trip, both of them were part of the same team to Cambodia!
I had heard so much about this beautiful country. But there was nothing like experiencing it for myself.
When I first found out about the mission trip, I wasn’t sure if I could contribute since the original focus was to conduct sewing classes at St Paul Methodist School.
But I decided to offer whatever experience I had – namely writing and teaching God’s Word – which the Lord used in ways beyond what I could think of.
As it turned out, our church’s missionary David Chan, who is also the school’s principal, already had a desire to start an editorial newsletter. He was also keen for his final year students (Grade 12) and trainee teachers awaiting university enrolment to practise their English.
More than just imparting skills, I’m thankful that I was able to build relationships with my class of 16 students. Getting to know them, understanding their hopes and dreams, and learning how the school has made a difference in their lives, were all precious moments.
I also had the opportunity to speak to the Girls’ Brigade students and share my testimony on dating and how God helped me understand the meaning of love.
Who would have thought that the Lord could use whatever that I have been through to encourage young ladies in Timor-Leste? Indeed, when we offer up our five loaves and two fishes, He multiplies it so that others can be fed.
I also saw the multiplier effect in the lives of the missionaries there.
Hearing the stories of courageous men and women who have given up the comforts of home and answered the call to serve in a foreign land, and seeing how God has used them to touch the lives of many Timorese, are truly a testament to kingdom math.
It was incredible to witness David’s three children working alongside their parents – there’s something so moving about seeing a family serving in missions together. The five of them are now making disciples who will then go on to make more disciples!
In Timor-Leste, the needs are many.
In Timor-Leste, the needs are many.
How fast the school will grow, how wide our ministry will reach, how deep our impact will be… all that will depend on how many of us are willing to come alongside and be counted.
I hope to continue supporting our missionaries and ministry in Timor-Leste with my five loaves and two fishes, and I pray that more of us can consider doing so too.
May we all also have the chance to marvel at how our God can do greater things than we can ever imagine.
